Saudi Arabia has shut down its critical East-West oil pipeline following multiple drone attacks that originated from Iraq, according to the Saudi Energy Ministry. The 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) conduit, which spans the Arabian Peninsula from Saudi Arabia’s oil-producing heartland on the Persian Gulf to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, was struck on a Thursday morning in the Riyadh and Medina regions.
East-West Pipeline Shutdown and Regional Escalation
The pipeline has recently moved 4 million to 5 million barrels of crude per day, representing 4% to 5% of global supply, according to ship-tracking companies and analysts. Other estimates note the pipeline can carry up to 7 million barrels daily. The infrastructure served as a vital alternative route allowing the kingdom to bypass tanker logjams and export oil globally while the Strait of Hormuz remained effectively closed amid the ongoing war between the United States and Iran.
Satellite imagery revealed a 60-mile smoke plume and high-temperature fire detection readings along the underground pipeline’s route, and the energy ministry confirmed that the strikes resulted in a number of injuries. Officials described the shutdown as a precautionary measure while maintenance and security assessments are conducted.
Iraqi Response and Military Dismissal
Both Baghdad and Riyadh stated that the drones used in the pipeline attack originated in Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate. In response to the breach, Iraq dismissed a military commander who had led operations in Maysan province, an area bordering Iran in southeastern Iraq where Iran-backed Shiite militias maintain influence.
The Iraqi government condemned the attacks and security forces launched a broad operation to find those responsible. Additionally, Iraq ordered the closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran as a precautionary measure, according to security sources.
Saudi Arabia has opted against immediate military retaliation following a request from the Iraqi prime minister, though the Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the kingdom reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its interests.
Houthi Offensive and Red Sea Disruption
The pipeline closure coincides with intensifying conflict across the region. Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen completed a rapid push to take control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, seizing the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the mainland coastal town of Dhubab.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that maritime navigation remained safe for all shipping except for Saudi vessels subject to a previously announced ban. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency noted that Saudi crude supply fell to its lowest levels in more than three decades, partly driven by Houthi-linked attacks on ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Global oil prices responded to the combined disruptions by climbing back above $100 per barrel for the first time since mid-May.
Requests for U.S. Military Assistance
The widening conflict prompted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to call U.S. President Donald Trump at least twice to request military help in fighting the Houthis, as higher fuel prices pose a political toll ahead of November congressional elections.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Washington declined to conduct direct military strikes for now, but agreed to provide assistance through information sharing and targeting support.
